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- DictionaryUn·der·mine/ˌəndərˈmīn/
verb
- 1. erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation): "the flow of water had undermined pillars supporting the roof"
- 2. lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously: "this could undermine years of hard work"
to injure or destroy by insidious activity or imperceptible stages, sometimes tending toward a sudden dramatic effect. to attack by indirect, secret, or underhand means; attempt to subvert by stealth. to make an excavation under; dig or tunnel beneath, as a military stronghold.
1 undermine something to make something, especially someone's confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective Our confidence in the team has been seriously undermined by their recent defeats. This crisis has undermined his position. Recent changes have undermined teachers' morale.
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English un‧der‧mine /ˌʌndəˈmaɪn $ -ər-/ verb [ transitive] to gradually make someone or something less strong or effective economic policies that threaten to undermine the health care system undermine somebody’s confidence/authority/position/credibility etc The constant criticism was beginning to under...
verb. These are words and phrases related to undermine. Click on any word or phrase to go to its thesaurus page. Or, go to the definition of undermine. The escaped convicts had undermined the prison walls. The shifting sands undermined the foundation of the beach house. Synonyms. excavate under. tunnel under. burrow under. eat away at. erode.
1. : to subvert or weaken insidiously or secretly. trying to undermine his political rivals. 2. : to weaken or ruin by degrees. 3. : to wash away supporting material from under. 4. : to excavate the earth beneath : form a mine under : sap. Choose the Right Synonym for undermine.
Dictionary definition of undermine. To weaken or lessen the effectiveness of something or someone, often in a subtle or gradual way. "The constant criticism began to undermine her confidence." Detailed meaning of undermine.
verb [ T ] uk / ˌʌn.dəˈmaɪn / us / ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn / C2. to make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, or to make something weaker, often gradually: The president has accused two cabinet members of working secretly to undermine his position /him. Criticism just undermines their confidence. Fewer examples.
